Published Date : Oct 05, 2015 / Edited Date : Nov 04, 2022
A Chinese delicacy:
Konkuk Univ. Lamb Skewer Alley
Although its nothing like pork belly or beef ribs, lamb skewers have gained tremendous popularity amongst the masses in a short period of time. Unlike the original Chinese delicacy, the lamb skewers in Seoul have less of a fishy smell to accomodate the Korean palate. To get a proper taste of this both Korean and Chinese delicacy, make sure to visit the lamb skewer alley near Konkuk University.
The lamb skewer alley first started making its appearance in 2008. Due to one store's success, approximately 20 restaurants of the same kind started to gather in the area all at once. In most cases, the owners are Chinese. This Chinese influence is also unique to the area; although it has decreased a bit in current day, Seongsu-dong was somewhat of a china town. Many Chinese people worked in the local factories and exchange students also studied and still do so to this day at Konkuk University or Hanyang University.
In the lamb skewer alley, one might notice that there are more Chinese characters than there is Korean.
The alley is about 600 meters long and is known as the "Chinese street" or the "new China town." Businesses that have settled here definitely have some sort of security. With 70% of the customers being Korean, this location has naturally become a melting pot of Korean and Chinese culture. Lamb skewers first originated in the northwest province of China in Xianjiang and is a delicacy that is enjoyed by the Uyghur people. Highly nutritious and easy to digest, it has become a popular street food in China. Low-calorie, low-fat, and high-protein. What's not to love? There is a reason why "Hanging up a sheep's head to sell dog meat" has become a popular Chinese proverb.
The lamb skewers sold in this area are different from mainland China; there is less of a strong smell and different spices are used. The first reason is because the ingredients are different. It is traditionally said that lamb skewers have a gamey smell to them, but it really depends on the meat. Meat from lambs that are at least 20 months old is called "mutton" while meat from lambs that are 12 months or younger is called "lamb." In China, lamb skewers are primarily made from mutton which naturally has a stronger smell than lamb. Strong flavors were even used to mask the strong smell of the meat. However, this is not a concern in Seoul's lamb skewer alley because most of the meat is lamb, not mutton. The skewers are typically grilled twice over a fire, resulting in less oil.
Side dishes that go well with lamb skewers consist of diced radish kimchi, thinly sliced tofu, stir-fried peanuts, cucumbers, and garlic. Koreans especially like it when the peanuts still have their skin. As one can see, there are plenty of other dishes to enjoy besides lamb skewers.
Automatic lamb skewer machines? This machine allows for even cooking as the lamb skewers rotate over the heat. Slowly but consistently, the lamb skewer is cooked and no parts are burned. If you want lamb skewers prepared in this manner, look for signs that say "automatic lamb skewers" (in Korean of course).
① Lamb skewers. Side dishes typically include cucumbers, peanuts, garlic, diced radish kimchi, and thinly sliced tofu. ② Try scrambled eggs and chives, beef on a hot plate, and other side dishes.
Children's Grand Park http://www.sisul.or.kr/global/main/en/sub/park.jsp Located in Neung-dong, Gwangjin-gu, this 53 square meter family-friendly park has greenwoods, grass, and other recreational facilities.
Ttukseom Park Visitors can experience the music fountain, rose garden, nature exploration center, and other facilities. The inchworm-like structure (J-bug) also has several different restaurants to eat from.
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미세먼지 비상저감조치 발령 및 기타 기상악화(폭염, 태풍, 폭우 등)로 인해 도보관광 운영이 어려운 경우 모든 예약은 일괄 취소됩니다. (관광일 전날 기준)
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All reservations will be canceled in the event of a weather warning being issued. (e.g. heatwave, typhoon, heavy rain, fine dust, etc.) (Cancellation will be processed immediately upon implementation)
※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below.
(https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)